For the most up-to-date listing of courses offered in Human Development and Family Science, please consult the UA General Catalog.
See Course Descriptions here (navigate to HDFS - Human Development & Family Sci)
Information about program requirements is available in the HDFS graduate handbook.
See also our HDFS Graduate Minor Handbook and the Checklist for Ph.D. Plan of Study.
| HDFS 505 | Theories of Counseling |
| Techniques for the study of human behavior; implications for improving adult-child relationships, applying various theories of counseling. Graduate-level requirements include an additional research paper dealing with a theoretical aspect of Adlerian psychology. | |
| HDFS 507A | Research Methods in Family Studies and Human Development |
| In this course, we will read about and discuss the central research methods used in family studies and human development (FSHD). We will cover a range of data collection techniques (e.g., observational, daily diary, interview) and will consider their purposes, advantages, and challenges. We will also consider some key methodological issues in the design of research and will expose you to a number of styles of research (e.g., secondary/archival data analysis, applied/action-oriented, experimental intervention programs). We will also address some of the pragmatic skills needed to successfully engage in research, such as proposal writing and peer reviewing. | |
| HDFS 507B | Research Methods in Family Studies and Human Development |
| Measurement, sampling, and design issues of particular relevance to family and developmental research. | |
| HDFS 513 | Issues in Aging |
| This course addresses major issues facing older adults and their families, society, and how earlier life experiences influence our older adult years. This class will tackle questions such as: What opportunities and challenges do adults face as they age? What resources and barriers shape their lives? How do physiological, psychological, interpersonal/family, economic, and socio-historical factors affect the experience of aging? How do gender, social class, and ethnicity influence the experience of aging? How do government policies, community services, the healthcare system, and health interventions affect the lives and well-being of older adults? | |
| HDFS 537A | Statistical Analysis of Family Studies and Human Development |
| This course provides an introduction to the logic and application of statistical methods for analysing data relevant to human behaviour, development, and relationships. It covers both traditional Null Hypothesis Significance Testing (NHST) and the more contemporary approach of Bayesian inference. Topics covered include data management and screening; methods for describing and presenting data; t-tests; categorical data; analysis of variance; correlation/ regression; and advanced applications of multiple regression such as moderator analyses. The major objectives of this course are for students to gain a conceptual understanding of statistical inference, learn how to implement statistical analyses using R (a free, open-source program), interpret R output, and communicate the results of statistical analyses in clear language and APA approved format. | |
| HDFS 537B | Intermediate Quantitative Analysis |
| Focus on intermediate univariate and multivariate statistics as applied to research in Family Studies and Human Development. This material builds upon the topics covered in FSHD 537A, and provides a foundation for the study of more advanced quantitative techniques. | |
| HDFS 537L | Introductory Statistics Laboratory |
| This course is the required laboratory component for FSHD 537A (Statistical Inference for the Social Sciences). The lab focuses on hands-on applications, using the statistical programming language R, of the concepts covered in the class. Topics covered include basic programming in R; data management and screening; methods for describing and presenting data; t-tests; categorical data; analysis of variance; correlation/ regression; and advanced applications of multiple regression such as moderator analyses. | |
| HDFS 546 | Foundations of Family and Interpersonal Theory |
| The purpose of this course is to build an understanding of the major theoretical frameworks used in the disciplines of family studies and interpersonal relations. Students will gain a critical understanding of the major theoretical frameworks used to study family and interpersonal relationships, learn the basic principles and concepts associated with these frameworks, and begin to learn how to apply these theories to a variety of situations as well as a career path that includes growth in knowledge and use of family theoretical frameworks. | |
| HDFS 547A | Sociocultural Context of Development |
| In-depth examination of human development from a sociocultural perspective; focus on socialization processes in childhood and adolescence and the role of the social and cultural context in those processes. Graduate-level requirements include additional assignments. | |
| HDFS 547C | Biosocial Development |
| This course addresses topics in human development (e.g., family relationships, sexual development, competitive behavior, sex differences, the adolescent brain) from evolutionary and biosocial perspectives. Graduate-level requirements include completion of an independent research project. | |
| HDFS 567 | Theories of Human Development |
| The study of human development is a diverse interdisciplinary field that includes psychology, sociology, biology, and anthropology. Across these disciplines is the emerging dominant paradigm of developmental science. At its core, developmental science perspectives and theories of human development consider the complexity of individual, group, and species-level development as it unfolds across contexts and the lifespan. There are four overarching goals for this course: 1. The primary goal is to provide a general introduction to key theoretical concepts informing the study of human development and shaping the field of developmental science. 2. You will apply these concepts in order to understand some of the dominant modern theories of human development. 3. You will critically and meaningfully evaluate the theoretical and empirical work of others. 4. You will ground your own work, including research question selection, hypothesis development, and methodology in key theoretical perspectives or approaches to human development. | |
| HDFS 587 | Advanced Family Relations |
| Critical analysis of selected studies and current research in family relations. Graduate-level requirements include extra required readings and an in-depth term paper. | |
| HDFS 593 | Internship |
| Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment. | |
| HDFS 593L | Legislative Internship |
| Working experience at the Arizona State Legislature; responsibilities draw upon student's area of major expertise and include preparing written and oral reports, summarizing legislative proposals, and providing information to legislators and legislative committees. | |
| HDFS 594 | Practicum |
| The practical application, on an individual basis, of previously studied theory and the collection of data for future theoretical interpretation. | |
| HDFS 599 | Independent Study |
| Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. Graduate students doing independent work which cannot be classified as actual research will register for credit under course number 599, 699, or 799. | |
| HDFS 600 | Career Planning and the PhD Job Market |
| This course covers professional, ethical, and career development issues for advanced-stage Ph.D. students in Family Studies and Human Development and related social science fields. We will cover a wide range of topics including career planning, the development of your academic dossier, how to obtain a job in and outside of academia, effective teaching and mentoring, and work-life integration techniques. The structure of this course includes in-class exercises, discussion, and a few interactive guest panels. Through these activities, students will have the opportunity to develop, practice, and strengthen professional skills. | |
| HDFS 601 | Topics in Adolescent Health and Development |
| This course covers various topics in adolescent health and development. Exact topics will vary across semesters, and students should contact instructor regarding exact course focus. | |
| HDFS 602 | Topics in Family, Interpersonal Relationships and Well-Being |
| This course covers various topics in family, interpersonal relationships and well-being. Exact topics will vary across semesters, students should contact instructor regarding exact course focus. | |
| HDFS 603 | Topics in Social and Psychobiological Development in Childhood |
| This course covers various topics in social and psychobiological development in childhood. Exact topics will vary across semesters, and students should contact instructor regarding exact course focus. | |
| HDFS 604 | Topics in Diverse Contexts for Development and Relationships |
| This course covers various topics in diverse contexts for development and relationships. Exact topics will vary across semesters, and students should contact instructor regarding exact course focus. | |
| HDFS 605 | Topics in Applied Developmental Science |
| This course covers various topics in applied developmental science. Exact topics will vary across semesters, and students should contact instructor regarding exact course focus. | |
| HDFS 606 | Topics in Methodology and Data Analysis |
| This course covers various topics in methodology and data analysis. Exact topics will vary across semesters, and students should contact the instructor regarding exact course focus. | |
| HDFS 607 | Topics in Family Studies and Human Development |
| Advanced seminar class covering a variety of topics relevant to Family Studies & Human Development. Contact instructor for more information. | |
| HDFS 617A | Advanced Data Analysis: Structural Equation Modeling |
| This course covers basic and intermediate topics of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM). Within these topics, we will consider both traditional approaches and state of the art innovations. The focus will be applied, so that students will (a) acquire an understanding of how SEM (and related latent variable models) can be used in human development and family research (and related research areas); (b) gain an appreciation of the conceptual and, to a lesser extent, the mathematical, basis of SEM; (c) develop the ability to formulate and evaluate models; and (d) become proficient in using the lavaan package in R for the analysis of statistical models. | |
| HDFS 617B | Advanced Data Analysis: Dyadic Data and Bivariate Systems |
| This course provides an introduction to working with dyadic data (e.g., nested data with only two upper level units, such as two partners in a relationship or two physiological variables in a person). We will cover cross-sectional dyadic data (e.g., each pair of variables is only measured once, such as survey data from both partners in relationships), but the focus is on repeated measures dyadic data (e.g., each pair of variables is measured multiple times for each higher level unit, such as diary data from both partners in relationships). We will use both traditional Null Hypothesis Significance Testing (NHST) and the more contemporary approach of Bayesian inference. All analyses will be done with the statistical computing platform 'R'. Topics to be covered include a review of NHST and Bayesian perspectives; cross-sectional and repeated-measures dyadic models using multilevel modeling; an introduction to a dynamic systems perspective; an introduction to 'rties', which is an R package that supports dynamic systems modeling of dyadic data; the Inertia-Coordination and Coupled-Oscillator models; State-Space Grids; and Cross Recurrence Quantification Analysis. Other topics may vary year to year. | |
| HDFS 617C | Advanced Data Analysis: Multilevel Modeling |
| This course provides an introduction to Multilevel Modeling (MLM) and its implementation using the statistical computing platform 'R'. MLM is used for analyzing nested data, such as longitudinal data (multiple observations nested within individuals) or data arising from couples, families, or groups (individuals nested within larger social units). We will cover both traditional Null Hypothesis Significance Testing (NHST) and the more contemporary approach of Bayesian inference. Topics to be covered include models for longitudinal data, models for dyads and groups, model building and comparison, and the interpretation and reporting of MLM results from both NHST and Bayesian perspectives. The course will combine recorded content, reading, group discussion, and applied data analytic assignments so that students will (a) gain an understanding of the conceptual basis for MLM and its appropriate uses, (b) acquire the ability to formulate and evaluate MLMs in a way that addresses specific research questions, and (c) become proficient in using R for the analysis of models. | |
| HDFS 691 | Preceptorship |
| Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of instruction and practice in actual service in a department, program, or discipline. Teaching formats may include seminars, in-depth studies, laboratory work and patient study. | |
| HDFS 693 | Internship |
| Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment. | |
| HDFS 694 | Practicum |
| The practical application, on an individual basis, of previously studied theory and the collection of data for future theoretical interpretation. | |
| HDFS 696Z | Family and Consumer Sciences |
| The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting. The scope of work shall consist of research by course registrants, with the exchange of the results of such research through discussion, reports, and/or papers. | |
| HDFS 699 | Independent Study |
| Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. Graduate students doing independent work which cannot be classified as actual research will register for credit under course number 599, 699, or 799. | |
| HDFS 799A | Independent Study for Comprehensive Examination |
| Independent Study for major written Comprehensive Examination. To receive a passing grade in the class, the student will need to take their written comprehensive exam that semester (before the grade is due). This requirement will be written into the Independent Study Proposal Form that is used to describe the student's plans and goals for their independent work over the semester. If there are extenuating circumstances, a student can potentially take an Incomplete (I) for the course, given the approval of their major advisor. | |
| HDFS 900 | Research |
| Individual research, not related to thesis or dissertation preparation, by graduate students. | |
| HDFS 909 | Master's Report |
| Individual study or special project or formal report thereof submitted in lieu of thesis for certain master's degrees. | |
| HDFS 910 | Thesis |
| Research for the master's thesis (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation, or thesis writing). Maximum total credit permitted varies with the major department. | |
| HDFS 920 | Dissertation |
| Research for the doctoral dissertation (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation, or dissertation writing). |